Police Updates: Dale City Man Facing Drug Charges; Two Burglaries

A Dale City man arrested last week on charges of cocaine distribution is facing drug-related charges for at least the fifth time and the third time within the last year, police and court records show.

James Dernest Mims, 29, of 4136 Glendale Rd. in Dale City was arrested Dec. 2 on charges of cocaine distribution and conspiracy to distribute a schedule I or II narcotic.

Police records show that Mims was arrested on Dec. 15, 2009 as part of the Operation Medicine Man sting that netted 38 arrests on heroin charges. At that time, Mims was charged with distribution of a schedule I or II narcotic.

On Aug. 3 of this year, Mims was arrested again after police pulled over a vehicle he was riding in, and this time Mims was charged with possession of a schedule I or II narcotic.

Mims had previously pleaded guilty in 2001 to distributing cocaine and in 2009 he pleaded guilty to possessing drug paraphernalia.

Two burglaries this week

Police responded to a burglary call in the 3700 block of Forestdale Ave. on Thursday. Police said the entry appeared to have been made through a sliding glass door, which had damage to the handle. The homeowner reported electronics and jewelry missing valued at about $8,300.

On Tuesday, police responded to a report of burglary in the 14300 block of Fullerton Rd. Police said entry appeared to have been gained through an unsecured window, and there were no signs of forced entry. The homeowner reported electronics valuing around $3,500 missing.